Live at the Azure Cafe
2004 & 2010
Azure is delighted to have been host to the first "Live at the Azure Cafe" in October 2004. As the name suggests, Maine's Premere Pianist Matt Fogg and Vocalist Nicole Hajj treated us to a live recording session right here at Azure. To listen or purchase the album, just click on this photo of the recording session.
An excerpt from the 2004 liner notes, Live at the Azure Cafe, written by Stephen McKay:
"The recording took place on October 28, 2004—a special night for all involved. The Azure, while closed to the general public for the recording, was nonetheless filled with an appreciative and supportive audience. An evening of fine food, wine, and most of all great music seemed to pass by in the wink of the proverbial eye! The event was covered by WCSH/NBC’s own Susan Kimball (with a camera crew for the “207” news magazine show), photographed by the renowned John Cooper, and recorded for us all (not to mention posterity!) by the aforementioned Mr. Drown.
One would have to wonder if it’s merely coincidence—as opposed to talent with a capital “T”—but just days after the airing of the “207” piece Matthew and Nicole were invited back to the show to perform “live”. And, immediately after listening to rough mixes of the Azure show, Maine Public Radio luminary Rich Tozier invited Matthew, Nicole, and the band to perform a “live in the studio” concert for his weekly Friday night jazz program. It should be noted that during the show even Mr. Tozier was making references to the freshness and originality of the arrangements!"
In March 2010, Azure was honored again as the proud host of a solo live recording from Matt Fogg. According to www.MattFogg.com:
"In October of 2004, Matt Fogg (along with vocalist Nicole Hajj) recorded his debut CD live at Freeport’s noted Azure Café. Though the Azure may have been closed to the general public that evening, it was nonetheless packed with an appreciative and supportive audience enjoying great music, as well as fine dining. For those of us old enough to remember—and a luckier few who may have actually experienced one of those moments—this show brought to mind the ambiance of classic jazz performances at the Blue Note or the Village Vanguard, complete with the tinkling sounds of glasses and dinner plates.
Fast forward, if you will, to March 23rd, 2010. That’s the date the "Matt Fogg Trio" (featuring Tom Bucci on bass, Steve Grover on drums, and Matt on piano) plus special guests [presented] a tribute to jazz legend Oscar Peterson. [This live recording] promises to be a truly memorable CD, celebrating the enduring power of some of the very best jazz tunes ever written or performed. I was one of those lucky enough to attend the show back in 2004, and, quite simply, it was one of those evenings you never forget."
On behalf of Azure's Staff and Management, we congratulate Matt & Nicole with all our hearts and wish them great future success.
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